RUATORIA FAREWELL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20108, 30 November 1939, Page 2

RUATORIA FAREWELL

MAORI VOLUNTEERS CHEQUE PRESENTED MEMORABLE EVENING (Herald Correspondent,.) What proved to be one of the most popular and enjoyable social functions held in Ruatoria was the farewell to the advance guard of the Maori troops, ,held in the Gaiety Theatre on Monday night. Despite the fact that the function had been organised hurriedly and the unfavourable weather, there was a large gathering, all sections of the community being represented. The guests of the evening were Messrs. Arnold Reedy, Noble Te Kawa, Sydney Mcllroy and Joe Campbell. The front of the stage had been artistically decorated by Mrs. P. G. Burton with vases of exquisite roses and sweet peas given by Mrs. T. S. Williams. The supper-room, where a lavish supper was served, was also attractively decorated with scarlet roses. Music was played by the Night Owl orchestra, and much appreciated extras by Messrs Les Dalziel, Joseph Keelan, and J. Awatcre. Mr. Rakai T'amati, the M.C., added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening with his humorous songs. Mr. T. Reedy also sang.

Mr. Tuhaka Kohere, in addressing the gathering in Maori, which Mr. Poananga interpreted, referred to the manner in which the Maoris had responded to the call for volunteers and said he was proud to think that the Maoris and Europeans would be fighting again shoulder to shoulder for a great cause.

Other speakers were Mr. Ralph Kemp, on behalf of the Ruatoria Returned Soldiers’ Association, Mr. Tuhere Maraki, Waipiro Bay (with Mr. Henry Fox interpreting), and Mrs. P. G. Burton, who presented the guests of honour with a substantial cheque. Would Do Their Best

Mr. Arnold Reedy, speaking on behalf of his comrades, said that he was overwhelmed at the wonderful send* off and it was especially gratifying to him to see such a large number of Europeans present. He assured them that they would do their best to uphold the traditions of their people and the Empire.

Among those present were Mesdames H. E. Williams, T. S- Snelling, A. King, P. G. Burton, S. Ngarimu. R. Walker, T. H. Reedy, R. Kemp, J. Hogan, J. C. Reedy, W. Reedy, R. T. Walker. T. Wi P.epa, C. Wilkie, M. Gudgeon, Ted Williams, J. M. Reedy, D. Kawhia, P. Tamati, H. Fox, D. Doherty, J. Ferris, P. Whaipooti, T. Wanoa, J. Penfold, J. Grace, A. Albert, H. Haua, G. Reedy, N. Te Kawa, J. Keelan, W. Poi, Dan Brown, R. McLean, B. Ehau, Pakanui, R. Tuhara, W. Haig and E. Morice. Misses Driscoll, D. Walker, B. Ludbrook,' Penhalluriak, S. Ngarimu, P. Beretane, F. Haua, E. Reedy, J. Hogan, C Gudgeon, B. Fergusson, L. Fox, M. Tamahori, -R. Mackley, M. Ngata, M. Albert, C. Wade, B. McClutchie, B. Smith, G. Whangapirita, F. Grace, H. Aupouri, M. Wehipeihana, M. Waititi, P. Kaiwai, R. Manuel, I. Smyth, and E. Mairaki. TOLAGA FAREWELL GOLF AND TENNIS DANCE POPULAR MEMBER (Herald Correspondent.! The joint committees of the Tolaga Bay golf and tennis clubs held a delighlbful dance in the Reynolds Hall to bid farewell to a papular member and champion player oif both clubs. Mr. Morton, captain of the golf club, said how they regretted Mr. Tuhiwai’s departure after so many years’ connection with the club. A championship .player and a valuable member could not be allowed Vo go without some recognition. Mr. Morton presented Mr.. Tuhiwai with the championship trophy, a silver tankard. Mr. Littleworth, president of the tennis cluib,- spoke of Mr. Tuhiwai s assistance, tooth as a splendid spott and a great help to the club on behalf of the tennis players, both Maori and European. .Mr. Littleworth asked Mr. Tuhiwai to accept a gift of a shaving outfit, .wishing him every luck in his military career. ivir. Tuhiwaii said he regretted having to leave so many friends of both races, but duty called him to defend his country. Mr. Harry Amaru replied on behalf of his .friends and wished Mr. Tuhiwai and Mr. Albert Wanoa, who also was proceeding to camp, the best of luck and hoped they .would return safely. A Maori group of young people performed action songs of farewell. A dainty supper was served from tables decorated with spring flowers. Mrs. Lincoln .provided the music. Amongst those present were Mesflames Dunlcp, F. Smith, Herbert, G. Wilson, Sharp, Holmes, Thornton, Ross Jame's, Olsen, Johnstone, A. J. Reid, Raroa, W. Walker, Niko, Temple, Askenbeck, Gilbertson, Tautau, Warn, Henry, Glover, McCreedy and Lincoln; Misses E. De Montalk, B. Weeks, J. Donald, D. Rennie, D. Dunlop, W. Simpson, E. .Smith, O. Lincoln. U. MacDonald, C. Laing, H. Percy, J. and E. McNamara, Methvern, E. Reeves, K, Carr, J. Grace, Wanoa, B. Walker. L. Poutu, L. Temple, F. Tuhiwai, G. Thompson, S. Grey, A. Wright, C. Green, L. Miles and Newton. Tribal Farewell On Monday night a farewell dance was held to bid farewell to two young men who have been chosen as iN.C.O.s for the Maori Battalion. After,, a dainty supper in Huaiti the dancers proceeded to the Pukut'awai meetinghouse, Where the guests of honour were welcomed in the true tribal fashion with songs and action dances. The Rev. Wi Ilauwaho, on behalf of the native race, wished Messrs. Tuhiwai and Wanoa God speed on their mission to defend the Empire. Both guests replied. A dainty supper was served by the ladies. Miss L. Poutu provided the music.